Chapter 543 make you stronger (2/2)

”I know this is too much to ask, but can… can we still be friends?”

Her eyes shook with tears forming more and more. She held tighter onto the hem of his sleeve as if she didn't want him to leave.

”I-I won't ask for anything else. I just want to remain friends with you.”

Liu Shan's hand that was out of her view curls into a tight fist. The word friend, was that even how they started off as?

Slightly turning his head to look at her in the eyes, he gently pulls his arm away from her grasp.

Using that hand, he pats her on the head and a sympathetic smile curls on his face.

”We're only neighbors.”

He knows that his words now must have crushed Ling Ni's small bit of hope, but it is better this way. They are better off returning to being neighbors because they never started off as friends.

Watching Liu Shan's figure walk away from her, Ling Ni did not stop him, nor did she follow after. She remain seated on the bench as her hand that was once holding onto his sleeve froze in midair.

As his footstep grew further behind her, his words repeated in her mind. The tears she had tried so hard to hold in finally let loose.

She curls against her knees and quietly sob as she can never return to how things used to be with Liu Shan.

”I'm so sorry… I'm so sorry… I'm sorry…”

Hearing her quiet sobs, Liu Shan slowed down in his steps. He wanted to turn around and run to give her a hug. He wanted to tell her that they can still be friends, but…

His lower lip trembles and puts on a stern expression to not cry. However, the more he fought back his tears, they fought against him and won.

He clench his fists tightly and despite the tears sliding down his cheeks, he force his legs to walk away.

”You got this, Liu Shan. You are a wonderful man. This is not your lost. This is her lost. She let someone as great as you get away.”

More tears slid from his eyes, but he continues to move his legs and comfort himself.

”She is not the only woman out there. The sea is so big, you will meet a better fish. Come on, stop crying. Walk away with your head high and go proudly.”

However, the more he tries to comfort himself, the more he felt the pain he thought had disappeared return. It was so painful like someone had shot a bullet inside him.

Ignoring all the people and cars that pass by him, he continues to let his tears run however they want.

As he arrives at the parking lot of his apartment building, he sniffles and wipes away his tears, but it was to no avail. The more he did so, the more tears came out.

Ignoring his tears, he lifts his head and makes his way home. However, his entire being froze and his lower lips trembles even more.

Unable to hold back anymore, he cries even more and chokes a stutter.

”G-G-Guys…”

Sitting on the stairs leading to his place were none other than Lin Hui, Xu Long and Qi Li. They were the last people he wanted to see him like this, but they are also the people he wanted to see right now.

All three men were at a loss for words seeing the assistant this way. However, even if they didn't ask, they already knew that Liu Shan must have had his broken into zillions of pieces.

Xu Long was unable to contain his tears and he cries with and for Liu Shan. He stood up and run to give the man a big brotherly hug.

”Our family's poor Liu Shan! Don't cry! Your brothers are here for you!”

Lin Hui and Qi Li quickly follow in pursuit. After they left the hospital, they had all parted ways, but feeling that Liu Shan was little off, they decided to come check on him.

Good thing they came or else who knows what the man would be like the next time they saw each other.

Lin Hui wraps his arms around both Liu Shan and Xu Long. He wanted to cry too but decides to try his best to stay strong for his brother.

”Don't worry Shan! Cry all you want! Let it all out! Let these tears disappear together with these feelings until there is no more!”

Qi Li who is always expressionless walks to stand next to Liu Shan. He pats the man on the head then lightly tap the side of their head together.

”It hurts now, but with time, it'll make you stronger.”